LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) -- Internet providers are doing what they can to help Americans working from home or students sent home from school amid the coronavirus pandemic.
COMCAST
Comcast announced that they will offer two months of free internet services to low-income households.
"As our country continues to manage the COVID-19 emergency, we recognize that our company plays an important role in helping our customers stay connected – to their families, their workplaces, their schools, and the latest information about the virus – through the Internet," the company said in a statement. "We also know that for millions of low-income Americans who don’t have Internet service at home, this uncertain time is going to be even more difficult to manage. As schools and businesses close and families are encouraged, or even mandated, to stay home, Internet connectivity becomes even more important."
Effective Monday, they are putting in place two substantial program enhancements to help these families deal with this crisis.
Xfinity WiFi hotspots across the country will be available to anyone who needs them for free – including non-Xfinity Internet subscribers. For a map of Xfinity WiFi hotspots, visit online here.
AT&T
AT&T is waiving data overage fees to all customers so that families and students can stay connected during the pandemic. The company is promising not to terminate the service of any customer over the next 60 days.
"The work we do is critical to millions of people and companies around the world, and we’re committed to being there when our customers and colleagues need us most," they said in a statement.
All AT&T consumer home internet wireline customers, as well as Fixed Wireless Internet, can use unlimited internet data. Additionally, AT&T will continue to offer internet access for qualifying limited income households at $10 a month through the Access from AT&T program.
VERIZON
Verizon’s said its networks are designed and built to meet future demand and are ready should demand increase or usage patterns change significantly.
In addition, Verizon announced that it is increasing its capital guidance range from $17 - $18 billion to $17.5 - $18.5 billion in 2020. This effort will accelerate Verizon's transition to 5G and help support the economy during this period of disruption.
Verizon said it will waive any late fees and not terminate any service for the next 60 days.